God Is No Man's Debtor

Last Sunday, Pastor Terry spoke a very straightforward message.

He talked about the verse "God is no man's debtor" (in addition to other things--the overall topic was worship) and how we get mad at God for not rewarding our performances for Him.

How true.

I've been guilty--thinking if I just try harder, do this good deed, read my Bible more (all of those are good things but God is not looking to be bribed into doing things for me!), God will perform for me because I performed for Him.

Last night I was reading from Matthew in The Message. It came with freshness that people who met Jesus simply believed and knew He would respond.

But what about when He says no to you or to me? What about when the answer is "Wait awhile"?

Then what.....

God is no man's debtor. Job said, "Yet though He slay me, I will trust in Him."

God will not slay us. He is the giver of good and perfect gifts. His love is pure and uncontaminated and intended for our very best.

So why do we struggle to see our Father as good when we have to wait? Why do we punish God for not being good enough for us?

Forgive me, Jesus....that is a horrendous sin. I am so easily entrapped. Your ways are higher than mine.

Help me to have the right image of who You are and the way You see me. Help me to become more focused on You as my greatest Gift rather than You as a celestial gift-giver. You are all I need. You are ALL I need. Be my all in all today, I pray.